Jan. 2, 2026
We worked hard to cover more local stories in 2025 and we accomplished a lot. We have published over 1600 local stories since we started publishing and over 730 of those were in 2025. Some of these we simple press releases but many of them were complex issues that require a lot of time and effort. Below is a summary of just some of the bigger stories from the last year. This is by no means complete list but an overview of our coverage.
If there is a topic you are curious about, enter a keyword in the search bar and may we probably covered it.
New fire station opens and city budget passes with wage increases The City of Viroqua celebrated the completion of a major public safety project in November with the grand opening of a new $9.5 million fire station on Nelson Parkway,. The 26,000 square foot facility replaces an aging station and was designed to improve safety for firefighters with specialized ventilation and decontamination areas. The project was funded through a combination of city financing, contributions from the townships of Franklin, Jefferson and Viroqua, and a $5.25 million federal grant secured by U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin.
City officials navigated a challenging budget process for 2026 by operating right up against state levy limits to fund necessary wage adjustments for city staff. The City Council approved a $2.95 million levy that prioritized employee retention through wage increases while making targeted cuts including the reduction of a second shift police dispatch position. Despite the levy increase the tax rate for residents is projected to decrease slightly due to a rise in the city’s equalized property value which was partially driven by the closure of a tax increment financing district.
Northpointe housing development opens A major addition to the local housing market opened its doors as Northpointe Development held a ribbon cutting for the 65 unit Main Street Apartments in downtown Viroqua. The $17 million project was celebrated by Governor Tony Evers and local officials as a critical step in addressing the regional housing shortage. The building reached near capacity almost immediately after opening and features a mix of workforce housing units along with commercial space. A key component of the development is the inclusion of the Bumble and Bloom Early Learning Center which is a childcare facility operated through a partnership between the city and the Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center.
Hanson Farm infrastructure approved and commercial plan proposed Viroqua officials moved forward with a significant expansion of the city’s housing stock by approving over $3 million in infrastructure bids for the Hanson Farm development. The 22 acre site on the city’s north side is slated for more than 100 new housing units and commercial space. The infrastructure work will include streets, water and sewer to support the new neighborhood.
In a related move the city signed a memorandum of understanding with local businessman Lavon Felton to develop the commercial lots along State Highway 14 at the front of the Hanson property. Felton proposed a concept that would preserve the existing barn and silos to create a farm themed commercial space that could host retail or hospitality businesses.
Negotiations pause regarding future of VFW land and public trails The future of a popular recreational area in Viroqua remains uncertain as the local VFW post considers selling approximately 40 acres of land that hosts the Veteran Hills Disc Golf Course and public trails. VFW leaders cited financial pressures and aging membership as reasons for exploring a sale which prompted a public outcry from residents who have used the private land as a public park for decades. The City of Viroqua and non-profit Vernon Trails collaborated on a proposal to purchase the land to ensure continued public access but VFW Commander Keith Yahn indicated the initial offers were not sufficient. Yahn stated the post is considering all options including listing the property on the open market or exploring a lease agreement while emphasizing that the post is under no immediate pressure to sell.
Old landfill poses methane challenges While the new housing development marks progress the city is dealing with environmental issues at its adjacent old landfill site where engineers discovered that methane gas levels were spiking. Further investigation revealed garbage buried beyond the fence line of the closed dump which prompted the city to approve additional spending to rent monitoring equipment. Crews are installing venting systems to mitigate the migration of gas and ensure safety for nearby developments including the new Hanson Farm project.
Mayor Running announces he will not seek another term Viroqua Mayor Justin Running announced in December that he will not seek re-election when his term expires in April 2026. Running cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the primary reason for his decision. His tenure was marked by the completion of several major capital projects including the new fire station, a new city hall and the approval of the Northpointe housing development.
Dragon Park reconstruction set for 2026 The Viroqua City Council approved a contract with Play By Design to reconstruct the Eckhart Enchantment playground commonly known as Dragon Park. The community led project aims to replace the deteriorating wooden structure with a new design that improves safety and accessibility while maintaining the park’s beloved aesthetic. While the committee is targeting an October 2026 build date they are keeping a May timeline as an option if fundraising and weather conditions allow.
Center Avenue redesign agreement reached After months of discussion the Viroqua City Council and Nelson Agri-Center reached an agreement on the design for the reconstruction of Center Avenue. The project will replace aging utilities and resurface the street while adding curb and gutter. The compromise design includes mountable curbs on one side to accommodate truck traffic and business needs while improving pedestrian safety.
Bomb threat investigation A bomb threat targeting a downtown Viroqua business caused a large police response and evacuation of the area in May. The threat was determined to be unsubstantiated after an investigation involving the FBI and local law enforcement. Police and fire personnel cleared the scene after searching the business and finding nothing suspicious.
Chamber of Commerce leadership and direction The Viroqua Chamber of Commerce welcomed Megan Tully as the new Executive Director early in the year. Later in the year Allyson Servais took over the role and outlined plans to shift the organization’s fiscal year and focus on member value at the annual meeting. Servais highlighted the success of the farmers market and plans to move into the renovated welcome center.
Public Safety officials clash over dispatch Tensions flared at a Public Safety Committee meeting between Police Chief Rick Niedfeldt and Fire Chief Chad Buros regarding changes to dispatch protocols. Buros expressed frustration that dispatch procedures were altered without his input which he felt made response coordination “clunky”. Mayor Running and the committee discussed returning to the previous protocol where the person taking the 911 call handles the dispatch.
Welcome Center renovation begins Work began on the renovation of the historic bathhouse on Rock Avenue to transform it into the Viroqua Welcome Center. The project is supported by a state grant and city funds and will serve as a hub for visitors and the chamber of commerce.
Viroqua Area Schools
Referendum votes and budget challenges The Viroqua Area School District Board of Education voted to place a $1.3 million operational referendum on the April ballot to maintain programs and staffing. This follows a failed attempt to pass a similar referendum in November of 2024 by a narrow margin. District Administrator Tom Burkhalter explained that state funding formulas have not kept pace with inflation which is forcing the district to ask taxpayers for support to avoid significant cuts.
Leadership transition Amidst financial discussions the district announced that Administrator Burkhalter would be stepping down to take a position in the Reedsburg School District. The school board selected Dr. Jeremy Hill as the next district administrator to lead the district starting in July.
Tech Ed addition opens The district celebrated the completion of voter approved facility upgrades including a ribbon cutting for a renovated technical education wing designed to enhance vocational training opportunities. The expansion provides modern space and equipment for agriculture, woods, metals, and automotive programs.
Report card success Viroqua Area Schools received four out of five stars on the state Department of Public Instruction report card which signifies the district “exceeds expectations”. The district showed improvements in achievement and growth scores compared to the previous year.
Conference realignment denied The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association denied a request by Viroqua Schools to leave the Coulee Conference and join the Southwest Wisconsin Conference. The district had sought the move to find a more competitively balanced athletic environment due to enrollment disparities.
Vernon County
Landfill expansion faces hurdles The Vernon County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to continue pursuing an expansion of the county landfill despite receiving a second notice of incompleteness from the Department of Natural Resources regarding the project’s feasibility study. The proposed expansion is critical as the facility nears capacity but the project has been delayed by state requests for more data on potential karst geology at the site. County officials warn that the landfill could run out of space before final approval is granted.
Housing Task Force identifies needs A county housing task force presented findings that Vernon County needs to develop dozens of new housing units annually to keep up with population growth. The report highlighted a lack of diverse housing options and noted that about 25 percent of households are cost burdened. The task force recommended modernizing zoning laws and creating funding strategies to encourage the development of workforce and senior housing.
SMRT bus funding restored In a reversal driven by public appeals, the La Crosse County Board voted to restore $157,000 in funding for the Scenic Mississippi Regional Transit (SMRT) bus system which serves the region including Vernon County. Following this decision, Vernon County restored $15,000 in funding for the service in its budget. The Viroqua City Council also included a placeholder for the service in their 2026 budget, with several council members expressing a willingness to donate their own meeting stipends to cover the city’s $5,000 share if necessary to maintain the regional transit connection
Sheriff command staff changes The Vernon County Sheriff’s Office saw significant leadership changes with the retirement of Chief Deputy Nathan Campbell and Lieutenant Jason Crume after decades of service,. Sheriff Roy Torgerson promoted Detective Matthew Sutton to Chief Deputy and Sergeant Lucas Sellers to Lieutenant to fill the vacancies,.
Domestic abuse program funded The Vernon County Board voted to use local funds to keep the HEART domestic abuse response program operating through the end of the year after a federal grant was abruptly terminated. The program pairs law enforcement with crisis responders to support victims of domestic violence and has been credited with reducing repeat offenses.
New finance director hired After a nearly year long search Vernon County hired Annie Lockyer to fill the position of County Finance Director. Lockyer takes over the role following the resignation of the previous director after a tax levy calculation error.
Emergency alerts updated Vernon County Emergency Management transitioned to a new mass notification system called Everbridge to improve communication with residents during emergencies. The new system allows for more precise targeting of alerts and reaches a broader number of residents by utilizing public data.
Comprehensive plan committee formed The county board approved the formation of a committee to oversee the development of a new comprehensive plan. The plan is a necessary step for the county to eventually implement countywide zoning.
Vernon County considers investing in solar infrastructure – Vernon County officials are weighing the installation of solar energy systems at county facilities, a move that could save taxpayers millions over the next 25 years,
Solar energy tour The Vernon County Energy District hosted its inaugural Solar Tour to showcase residential and commercial solar installations across the county. The event aimed to educate the public on the benefits and feasibility of solar energy in the region.
Park fee increases The county conservation and education committee approved increases for camping and boat slip fees at county parks to keep pace with rising maintenance costs. Demand for sites at parks like Sidie Hollow remains high despite the fee adjustments.
Westby
Mayor Helgerson reelected Westby Mayor Danny Helgerson secured another term in office after defeating write in challenger Garrick Olerud in the spring election. Helgerson also took on a statewide leadership role after being elected president of the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
Creamery plans major expansion The Westby Cooperative Creamery announced a $15.5 million investment to modernize its facility and expand cottage cheese production. The project is backed by a USDA loan guarantee and aims to improve efficiency and meet growing consumer demand.
Main Street project resumes Construction resumed on the major reconstruction of Westby’s Main Street and the intersection of Highways 14 and 27 after a winter hiatus. The project includes the installation of a roundabout and significant utility upgrades.
Solar and distillery connection During a visit to the region UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin toured Hidden Springs Creamery and learned about their partnership with the new Birch Point Distillery in Westby. The distillery will use whey byproduct from the creamery to produce spirits highlighting local economic innovation.
Student awarded FFA grant Westby student Jed Olson was one of only seven students statewide to be awarded a Wisconsin Animal Systems SAE Grant. The grant will support his dairy entrepreneurship project.
Hillsboro
Groundbreaking for daycare and senior center The City of Hillsboro celebrated the start of construction on a new facility that will house both a daycare center and a senior center. The project is a collaboration between the city and private developers and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church to address the critical shortage of childcare and senior services in the area.
City Administrator resigns City Administrator Josh Finch who helped spearhead the daycare project announced his resignation in June to take a position in Waupaca. Finch was credited with leading the city through a period of progress and infrastructure upgrades.
Housing partnership The city announced a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to construct 10 new workforce housing units. The project aims to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.
EMT honored Patty Pesik an EMT with the Hillsboro Area Ambulance Service was named First Responder of the Year for the 96th Assembly District. Pesik was recognized for her 46 years of service and dedication to training other responders.
Hospital charity care Emplify Health by Gundersen Hillsboro Area was recognized for ranking seventh in the state for providing charity care to the community. The ranking highlights the hospital’s commitment to serving patients regardless of their ability to pay.
La Farge and Kickapoo Valley
Forest School expands The Kickapoo Valley Forest School secured a $1.1 million grant to expand its nature based educational programming and announced a move to the La Farge School District campus. The school aims to add an upper elementary field school to its offerings.
Nuisance property abatement A decade long dispute over a nuisance property in La Farge culminated in a court ordered abatement and cleanup of the site owned by Jacob Sell. The village coordinated with law enforcement and contractors to remove debris from the property.
Organic Valley names new CEO Major local employer Organic Valley named Shawna Nelson as its new CEO marking the first time a woman has led the cooperative. Nelson is a La Farge native who started as an intern and worked her way up through the company.
Ambulance service anniversary The La Farge Area Ambulance service celebrated 50 years of service to the community with a recognition event. The event honored past and present members for their dedication to emergency response in the rural area.
Coon Valley
Village President election Voters in Coon Valley elected Matt Helgerson as the new Village President unseating incumbent Karl Henrichsen. Henrichsen expressed gratitude for his time in office and support for the new leadership.
Board seat vacancy Following the election the village board faced a deadlock on filling the vacant seat left by Matt Helgerson. After a tie vote the board decided to leave the seat empty until the next election.
Fire Chief retires Longtime Fire Chief Russ Cornford was honored for his 45 years of service to the department as he retired from the role. The department elected Ken Phillips as the new chief to lead the volunteer service moving forward.
Speed limit reduction The village announced a reduction in the speed limit on Main Street to 25 mph following a safety study. The change is intended to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers in the downtown area.
De Soto
School referendum fails Voters in the De Soto Area School District rejected a referendum that would have allowed the district to exceed revenue limits. The failure of the referendum presents financial challenges for the district.
Fugitive capture A manhunt for a Minnesota fugitive who allegedly stole a municipal truck ended with his capture. Nathan Gossman was apprehended after fleeing police and is facing multiple charges.
Liberty
Election tie settled A race for a town supervisor seat in the Town of Liberty resulted in a tie vote that was initially settled by a coin toss in favor of Carrie Vanek. The result was challenged and led to a recount and court proceedings. After a judge ordered a second recount due to questions about absentee ballots and voter ID Jason Vidas was ultimately declared the winner of the supervisor seat. The board of canvassers made the final determination after a tense series of meetings.
Dark Sky award The Town of Liberty received a Conservation Excellence Award for its leadership in reducing light pollution. The town updated its ordinance to protect dark skies which benefits wildlife and stargazing.
Arson arrest A local man was arrested and charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to a neighbor’s mobile home in the township. The structure was a total loss but no injuries were reported.
Genoa
Boaters rescued Seven boaters were rescued near the Genoa Lock and Dam after their boat became disabled and went through a gate at the dam. No one was seriously injured in the incident thanks to the quick actions of dam staff.
Readstown
Collaborative partnership award The Readstown Collaborative Partnership received the People’s Choice Award at the Vernon County Awards for their community work. The group was recognized for bringing together local organizations for the betterment of the village.
UTV crash injuries A 52-year-old Readstown man was seriously injured in a UTV crash. Emergency crews responded to the scene to provide aid.
Crime and Courts
Cold case murder charged Authorities charged 61 year old Michael Popp with the 1985 murder of Terry Dolowy after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Popp pleaded not guilty in Vernon County Court and was bound over for trial.
Triple homicide suspect captured A ten day manhunt for 47 year old Virgil Thew ended with his capture in the Elroy area. Thew was wanted in connection with the deaths of his girlfriend and two juvenile girls in New Lisbon.
Pabst murder-suicide James David Pabst of Middleton took his own life during a standoff with law enforcement on Highway 14 in Vernon County after allegedly killing his parents in Dane County. Law enforcement from multiple agencies were involved in the incident.
Road rage shooting A Cuba City man was charged with recklessly endangering safety after allegedly firing a gun from his vehicle during a road rage incident on Highway 14. Police arrested him at a Viroqua convenience store.
Church burglaries Viroqua Police arrested a 45 year old man in connection with break-ins at two local churches. Mark Wellington faces burglary charges for the incidents.
Harassment conviction Jacob Sell of La Farge was convicted by a Monroe County jury on fifteen counts of harassment for repeated abusive calls to dispatch centers. Sell was also involved in legal disputes in Vernon County regarding property abatement and disorderly conduct.
Regional
Black Hawk Bridge demolition The historic Black Hawk Bridge connecting Wisconsin and Iowa at Lansing was demolished in December to make way for a new crossing. The bridge had been closed ahead of schedule due to structural concerns.
MariBell transmission line Dairyland Power Cooperative held public meetings to discuss the proposed MariBell transmission line that would cross Vernon and Crawford counties. The high voltage line proposal has drawn significant concern from residents regarding its environmental impact.
Coon Creek Watershed anniversary The Coon Creek Community Watershed Council celebrated its fourth anniversary and launched a new program to help landowners fund repairs to conservation structures. The group continues to work on flood resilience in the region.
Organizations
VARC merger The Vernon Area Rehabilitation Center announced a merger with VPI Inc to expand services for individuals with disabilities. The merger aims to broaden programming and service capacity across the state. VARC was also named Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award for ‘Empowerment Through Inclusion’.
Chamber Wine Walk The Viroqua Chamber announced the return of the Wine Walk event to downtown Viroqua. The event invites participants to sip and shop at local businesses.
Historical Society HVAC campaign The Vernon County Historical Society launched a fundraising campaign to upgrade the heating and cooling system at the museum. The improvements aim to preserve artifacts and allow for year round operation of the facility.
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